FBI Seizes Russian Cybercrime Leader 24 million Dollar Cryptocurrency Assets

According to the Department of Justice, the Department of Justice has indicted Russian citizen Rustam Gallyamov, accusing him of leading a global cybercrime ring and developing the notorious Qakbot malicious software. Authorities seized more than $24 million in cryptocurrency assets linked to the criminal activity, with plans to return it to victims.
Gallyamov is accused of operating Qakbot malicious software since 2008, infecting more than 700,000 computers worldwide and facilitating major ransomware attacks such as Conti, Black Basta, and REvil. In August 2023, authorities seized more than 170 bitcoins and more than $4 million in USDT and USDC from Gallyamov in a US-led international operation.
The operation is part of a joint crackdown on cybercrime by the US, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, the UK and Canada. If convicted, Gallyamov faces up to 25 years in federal prison.